Waubonsee holds Veterans Day ceremony

Arthur Sheridan regrets not stepping forward sooner.

For decades, Sheridan, an Aurora resident and U.S. Army veteran of World War II, chose to live his life after returning home from combat in Europe in the 1940s, working his job and raising his family.

However, at the age of 80, he said, he was encouraged to get involved in his community and tell the tales of his service.

Sheridan's story begins with his decision to enlist at 17 years old and ends with a race across Europe as a member of the 20th Armored Division, culminating in the attack on Munich, Germany, and liberation of the infamous Dachau concentration camp.

On Nov. 11, Sheridan, who now serves on the Aurora Veterans Advisory Council, shared his story during keynote remarks of the Veterans Day observance ceremony at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove.

While recounting his story, Sheridan also encouraged fellow veterans to engage in public service and encouraged those in the community to welcome veterans back into the fabric of civilian life on the homefront.

"Our veterans need advocates," Sheridan said. "Not just so they can secure the benefits they should receive, but so we can all be remembered during our years.

"Every able-bodied veteran is ready, willing and equipped to serve his community," Sheridan said.

The event also included parading of colors and a placement of a wreath by representatives of American Legion Post 1271 of Sugar Grove, a reading of President Obama's Veterans Day Proclamation by Waubonsee President Christine Sobek, and performance of patriotic musical selections, including "The Star-Spangled Banner," directed by Mark Lathan, Waubonsee assistant professor of music.